Merseyside Quiz Leagues

The MQL is the governing body of the five independent quiz leagues located in the Merseyside area. Additionally, each league organises its own knockout and/or cup competitions either during or at the end of the season. Each area organises its Leagues via Local Committees.

Representatives from the Committees serve on the MQL. Council which takes decisions of overall importance. Quiz teams come from pubs, clubs, factories, local government, offices, churches, sports and political clubs, etc, and players come from every walk of life.

All matches are played strictly in accordance with MQL rules which are continually refined and brought up to date. The rules are published annually together with fixtures and general information. Each playing member is issued with a copy of the MQL Handbook at the start of each season.

Highlights of the season, apart from the various finals, are the Area Presentation Nights and the MQL Presentation, at which an array of cups, shields and mementos are distributed. Prior to each season, teams register and present their own sets of questions. After vetting, typing and printing, questions are sent on a weekly basis by independent question distributors. Strict security is observed to prevent fore-knowledge of question sets.

Since its inception, MQL. has helped other areas in the UK to form similar associations - and in some cases ex-members have carried the gospel overseas. The appeal of the Quiz League is difficult to define. At the top levels, matches are played in a spirit of fierce competition, whilst lower down the scale the "Quiz Night" is more of a friendly social occasion.

In 1976, an individual competition was introduced with a unique format which ensures that players have an equal chance of answering questions without reliance on buzzers, extra bonus points etc. It is called the MIMIR competition and is named after the Norse god of wisdom.